City facilities the targets of vandalism

THE CITY says it has forked out nearly R2 million over the last few months on repairs and replacements after several community facilities were vandalised.

“City facilities are the continuous targets of wanton criminal acts and vandalism and the City spends millions annually to repair and replace them,” said Zahid Badroodien, mayco member for community services and health.

“Facilities are not only incapacitated for use, but the loss and damage deprive the very communities they serve. Incidents recorded range from petty theft to the theft of geysers, gates and fixtures and the damage of tiles, soap dishes, parts of toilets and carports.

“The reality is that we have a social problem which manifests itself as crime and vandalism on easy targets such as cemeteries and recreation facilities.”

Badroodien said the City had responded to numerous incidents of theft, burglary, arson and malicious damage to property.

“Incidents recorded range from petty theft to the theft of geysers, gates and fixtures and the damage of tiles, soap dishes, parts of toilets and carports. The reality is that we have a social problem which manifests itself as crime and vandalism on easy targets such as cemeteries and recreation facilities,” Badroodien said, adding that he did not believe the protests in parts of Cape Town were the root cause of this.

Mayor Dan Plato said: “We cannot allow the vandalism and destruction of City property, and ultimately community assets, to continue. It’s a waste of resources, as money that could be used for housing or sanitation has to be used to repair assets.”

JP Smith, mayco member for safety and security, said that theft and vandalism on the City’s own property remained a big concern.

“We have made some strides but we are planning to get more private security because what we’ve seen is the number of staff getting attacked at our facilities has decreased significantly.”